RE: Megaesophagus
Diva was diagnosed with MEGAESOPHAGUS. Her only symptoms are occ. wheezing & " gulping " of her food. Does anyone know about this condition & do you have any helpful advice? Hi, Terri! Sorry for the delay in replying ... I've been off-line for awhile. My Jake was diagnosed with megaesophagus when he was 6 months old. As your head is spinning now from information overload, so was mine. The two drugs of choice to help manage megaesophagus are cisapride and metaclopramide. Both drugs stimulate the muscles along the esophagus and should be given 20 or 30 minutes before the dog eats. The dog should sit after eating for 10 minutes or so, and no exercise - not even a walk - for an hour after eating. There are literally thousands of pages on the internet that discuss megaesophagus. Most pages say that an afflicted dog will most likely not survive past the age of two. Megaesophagus itself is not fatal but, if the dog inhales while it's regurgitating, it could get pneumonia which must be treated immediately. Let me stress: do not believe all the horror stories on the internet. It is often a case of hearing the worst case scenarios. My Jake was diagnosed with megaesophagus at 6 months; he is now 2 1/2 years old and going strong. In fact, Jake was doing so well that, six weeks ago, I stopped giving him the metaclopramide pills. I did, however, keep some on hand in case Jake started regurgitating. In the past six weeks, Jake has had 4 pills total (2 pills on two occasions), instead of 4 pills a day every day. Megaesophagus is definitely manageable. I hope this helps. Feel free to e-mail me privately if you have any more questions. Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com
When a puppy joins the family ...
Within the past few weeks, someone had posted to the List with a number of questions regarding bringing a puppy into a home with an existing dog. In particular, I remember a question about confining the older dog, e.g. in the kitchen, to keep the pup company versus letting the older dog keep his routine by sleeping wherever he wants. I don't recall seeing any posts responding to the original message. Since I will be in the same position in the coming months, bringing a new puppy into my home with my 2 1/2-year-old BMD Jake, I was wondering what sort of advice - aside from not upsetting Jake's routine too much and making sure he doesn't feel ousted as top dog - the more experienced Listers could offer. In particular, advice regarding sleeping arrangements, as mentioned above, would be appreciated. Many thanks. Maureen Barry Montreal (Quebec) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com
Advice to women
Words to live by ... Maureen Montreal, Quebec Advice to Women If you want someone who will bring you the paper without first tearing it apart to remove the sports section Buy a dog. If you want someone willing to make a fool of himself simply over the joy of seeing you Buy a dog. If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him and never say its not quite as good as his mother made it Buy a dog. If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour, for as long and wherever you want Buy a dog. If you want someone to scare away burglars, without a lethal weapon which terrifies you and endangers the lives of your family and all the neighbors Buy a dog. If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn't give a damn about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies Buy a dog. If you want someone who is content to get up on your bed just to warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores Buy a dog. If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn't care if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, with tits or without, who acts as if every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves you unconditionally Buy a dog. On the other hand, if you want someone who will never come when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night, only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence is solely to ensure his happiness then, my friend, buy a cat. ( Any resemblance to a man is purely coincidental. ) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop! http://platinum.yahoo.com
I bought a clicker ... now what?
Jake recently turned two years old. Since he isn't only my first Berner but my first dog, we attended puppy kindergarten when he was 3 1/2 months old, followed by private obedience lessons. He was too young for a group class that started before the summer and I didn't want to wait an extra three months for the next group (he would've been 8 months old by that time). Even though I was told to purchase a training collar, our instructor assured me that they use "positive" training methods ... petting and verbal praise for obedience. By the time Jake was 10 months, we had "graduated" to a pinch collar simply because, if he decided to plant himself to investigate a bush, a stop sign, etc, I just couldn't get him in motion again with the training collar. Despite the fact that I know I did not give frequent and firm corrections (I had no desire to hurt him to demand obedience), Jake received his diplomas for on- and off-leash obedience in January 2001. Jake is 100% reliable in the house (I've given up on his recurring toilet paper fetish) and in the backyard and is pretty good with moderate distractions outside "our territory". Even though over-all I am quite happy with Jake's obedience, there is room for improvement. With all the rave reviews that clicker training has received on the List, I made an impulse buy on the weekend and picked up a clicker. My question is: now what? Do we go back to basics, clicking and rewarding (with treats) the sits, etc so that he starts to associate the click with the treat? Or should I just use the clicker for new tricks? Or should I just wait and use it from Day 1 with my next Berner? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/
Re: Berner Calendar 2003
Hi, Elisabeth! I too waited too long to purchase a BMD calendar for 2003. There are four stalls/stores in the malls in my area, and the workie guy at each one told me that BMD calendars are the first to go! One guy did give me a little flyer and I went to their website just yesterday and ordered two calendars. They are still full price, but at least I got some! The website is: www.calendars.com Good luck! Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Fwd: Request for assistance - Pawprints
We're well into the festive season and only now am I doing some greeting cards (they'll be handed to family members tomorrow). One such card is "To Gramma" ... from my BMD Jake. Any ideas on how to safely get his pawprint onto the card? I suspect those ink pads from Staples are indelible, and food colouring probably isn't a better option. I could always just wet his paw and "stamp" the card, then outline it and fill it in myself, but it's just not the same. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Happy holidays to all! Maureen Barry & Jake (who hasn't liberated a single ornament from the tree!) Montreal, Quebec = Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Question re Flexi leads (Follow-up)
I recently surveyed the L regarding Flexi leads (cord versus webbed). I believe I thanked everyone who replied to me privately, but was remiss in thanking those who responded to the List. I really do appreciate everybody's input. A synopsis of the results: 1) Flexi leads are the greatest invention on the face of the earth 2) Flexi leads are the worst invention on the face of the earth 3) Corded leads are surprisingly strong 4) Longest and strongest is the way to go 5) Regardless of the construction (cord or web), it's pretty much a given that my shoulder will be - or will just feel - dislocated at some point courtesy of a runaway Berner. Since the Berner-L camp was divided on which way to go, I purchased what appealed to me. I found a nice green lead that just happens to be webbed. After a week of using it, I can honestly say I love it!!! I'd thought that 16 feet would be long enough, but it's a lot shorter than I'd imagined. Maybe Santa will bring us a longer one ... although longer = heavier. Jake is very happy with the new freedom, and we cover more ground on our walks since I no longer have to stand and wait for him to stop sniffing. While the 6-foot leather lead will still be used when manners are required, the Flexi is perfect for our early-morning and late-evening jaunts. A very wise investment all around! Thanks so much to everyone who took the time convey their experiences with and impressions of Flexi leads! Maureen Barry & Jake Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Neurologist appointment for your puppy
Bonjour, Serge! I saw your message on the Berner Mailing List and my heart is breaking for you. I live in Pierrefonds (Montreal) and called my vet clinic to see if they have a neurologist on staff. They do not, but can refer you *immediately* to a neurologist at the DMV (Departement des Medicins Veterinaire??) on Cote de Liesse at Decarie (Autoroute 15). My vet is Dr. Normand Lawlor and he is at the Pierrefonds Animal Hospital on Pierrefonds Blvd, between Blvd St-Jean and Blvd St-Charles. The phone number is (514) 626-9890. I was told to tell you that, if Dr. Lawlor is not available, tell them that it is an emergency and they will get you an appointment right away. Best of luck to you and your pup. Please let us know how it goes. = Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Re: "You should take such good care of yourself" & a grandmother's pride
<> *** My mom didn't care much for animals either. In fact, the odd goldfish was the extent of our pet population! When Jake was born, I sent an e-mail to all and sundry, announcing "I'm a mom!!!" ... and everyone knew I meant of the four-legged variety. *** I'm proud to say that one of Jake's "baby pictures" very quickly made it onto my mother's fridge, alongside pics of her human grandchildren. She also took copies to send to our relatives in Scotland, to show off her latest "grandchild"! I'm content to leave it to my siblings to provide human additions to the family; as for me, a little BMD sister for Jake will arrive late next year! *** When a sister recently asked what I'd bought after a grocery shopping extravaganza, our conversation went something like: "A soup bone" ... "You make soup?" ... "For Jake. Chicken drumsticks" ... "You eat those?" ... "No, but Jake does. Pork hocks" ... "What do you do with those?" ... "Give them to Jake" ... "Did you get any food for yourself?" ... "Ummm ... "! Maureen & Jake Montreal, Quebec = Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Re: Seasonal gardening disorder?
I wrote: > What is it about a little snow that makes a > previously very well-behaved Berner completely > lose his mind and think that it's appropriate > to dig up the bulbs and uproot established plants? Then Liz wrote: > Perhaps he thinks you "completely lost" YOUR mind > and forgot to dig them up > for safekeeping over the winter ;-) After all, it > gets quite cold up there! Now I write: Aahhh! So I was correct in assuming, three weeks ago when I was planting the bulbs, that Jake was "helping" me by grabbing the bag of bulbs - 100 of them - and taking off with it, scattering them around the yard! He obviously thought they'd look better naturalized throughout the lawn! Thanks for the tip! Maureen Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
Question re Flexi leads
To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment? Ninety-five percent of the time when we're out and about, Jake would not abuse the added freedom the Flexi lead would afford him. However, that other five percent of the time, when a squirrel or another dog beckons ! Till now we've been using a 6-foot leather lead. Any input would be appreciated. Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
Seasonal gardening disorder?
What is it about a little snow that makes a previously very well-behaved Berner completely lose his mind and think that it's appropriate to dig up the bulbs and uproot established plants? Maureen Barry & Jake (the landscape architect) Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
Tatiana
Emma - I have been following your trials and tribulations with Tatiana with fervent prayers and was so thrilled when it looked like she was in the clear. In a recent message, you said that Tatiana had thrown up about 6 hours after eating, and that sparked something in me. While he did not have diarrhea, my Jake started regurgitating a few hours after eating when he was about 3 months old. Two of his littermates did the same thing and were diagnosed with megaesophagus, which is an enlargement of the esophagus. The muscles along the esophagus cannot work the food (or sometimes water) down to the stomach, and the dog will regurgitate, often just saliva with a couple of bits of kibble. Is that what you mean by throwing up? Megaesophagus is difficult to diagnose on its own, with the dog usually having to undergo a number of tests to eliminate causes. However, if you specifically ask your vet to check for it, a barium x-ray is all that's required. If diagnosed, the two drugs of choice are cisapride and metaclopramide. Both drugs stimulate the muscles along the esophagus and should be given 20 or 30 minutes before the dog eats. The dog should sit after eating for 10 minutes or so, and no exercise - not even a walk - for an hour after eating. There are literally thousands of pages on the internet that discuss megaesophagus. Most pages say that an afflicted will most likely not survive past the age of two. Megaesophagus itself is not fatal but, if the dog inhales while it's regurgitating, it could get pneumonia which must be treated immediately. Let me stress: do not believe all the horror stories on the internet. It is often a case of hearing the worst case scenarios. Jake was diagnosed with megaesophagus at 6 months; he is now 21 months and going strong. It is definitely manageable. I hope this helps and please continue to keep us informed. Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec (Canada) __ Do you Yahoo!? Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More http://faith.yahoo.com
Need help with command word
When Jake was younger, I'd taught him to "hug" ... brief stands with his paws on my chest. I'd tap my hands against my chest for the hand signal. When he was about 10 months old, Jake started his barking/jumping/biting at me nonsense which I effectively countered by redirecting his attention, mostly with "sit". For the few weeks it took to completely work through the jumping etc, I refrained from asking for a "hug", not wanting him to jump on me at all. Since Jake has a digestive order and he must sit for about 10 minutes after eating, I began to use the phrase "Let's have a hug" to mean "Go sit at the stairs"; I sit beside him and pet him/scratch him/check his ears/tell him what a good boy he is and generally have a sit-down hug. There is no longer any fear of his mauling me and I would like him to start giving me proper hugs again. Since I now use the word "hug" in a different context, I need a new command word to have him stand up for a hug. It's been about 8 months since I've successfully asked for a "hug" from him and he no longer seems to understand the old hand signal alone or in combination with "hug"; he just sits there with a quizzical look on his face. Any ideas for another word I could use to get him nose-to-nose with me? "Up" is already used to get him to jump onto or into something (like the car). Many thanks! Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More http://faith.yahoo.com
